Monthly Archives: July 2012

The Language of Flowers: a Miscellany

‘A flower is not a flower alone; A thousand thoughts invest it’

All over the world, flowers are an integral part of human culture whether it is the perfect table centre for a wedding, a beautiful bouquet for a birthday, a message of thanks, or to pay one’s respect at a funeral. But, while everyone knows that red roses signify love, few may realise that an entire language of flowers exists with every bloom, folliage and plant having a particular emotion attached, be it hazel for reconcilliation, wisteria for welcome or ivy for fidelity. This unique language was created by the romantic early Victorians who carefully planned every bouquet and posy so as to deliver a desired message. Bringing the language to a new generation, this beautifully illustrated miscellany contains fifty profiled flowers, a dictionary searchable by emotion, and ideas for creating bouquets and arrangements for specific occasions.

We want that book! —-> Buy it here.

Gisèle Freund

Gisèle Freund (1908-2000) was a German-born French photographer who is famous for her portraits of writers and artists. Her work is very inspiring and she captures a depth and fragility that is really profound.

Jean Cocteau 

Virginia Wolff and her desk

Henri Matisse
Marcel Duchamp
Frida Kahlo
James Joyce